DCA's Rosh named to TSA's 2026 canine calendar
Reagan National's four-legged security officer featured in December; handler previously worked with 2023 calendar dog
If you’ve passed through security at Reagan National Airport recently, you may have spotted a sleek German shorthaired pointer named Rosh patrolling the terminal. Now the 4-year-old explosives detection canine is getting some well-deserved recognition.
Rosh is one of 13 dogs featured in the Transportation Security Administration’s newly released 2026 canine calendar, representing the December page. The free calendar, available for download at tsa.gov, honors the agency’s more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working at airports nationwide.
The DCA dog’s name means “leader” in Hebrew, and according to the calendar, he takes the title seriously. Working alongside handler Patricia P., Rosh uses what TSA describes as a “superstar sniffer and boundless energy” to screen passengers at the Arlington airport.
When he’s off duty, Rosh enjoys long walks with his handler — a bond the calendar calls “unbreakable.” His favorite treat is chewy bite-sized canine burger snacks, and nothing gets his tail wagging quite like his KONG Wubba toy.
Rosh continues a tradition of DCA dogs earning calendar honors. In 2023, two Reagan National canines made the cut: Ava, a German shorthaired pointer also handled by Patricia P., and Messi, a yellow Labrador known for enjoying the views at nearby Gravelly Point.
The 2026 calendar cover features Steeler, a nearly 3-year-old black Labrador retriever from Pittsburgh International Airport who won TSA’s 2025 cutest canine contest. Steeler and his littermates were born on Super Bowl Sunday 2023 and all named after NFL teams.
The 13 featured dogs were selected from 97 nominations submitted by canine teams at more than 44 airports across the country. Each month includes photos, fun facts and notable dates — including Rosh’s birthday on Aug. 30.
TSA operates the world’s largest explosives detection canine program, with teams deployed to more than 100 airports, mass transit systems and maritime facilities. Each year, approximately 300 dogs complete an intensive 16-week training program at the TSA Canine Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas before being assigned to duty stations nationwide.
The program dates to 1972, when it operated under the Federal Aviation Administration. It was transferred to TSA following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The agency will mark its 25th anniversary on Nov. 19, 2026.
The 2026 TSA canine calendar is available for free download at tsa.gov.